How do you manage catheter-associated, upper extremity superficial venous thrombosis?

I manage catheter-associated upper extremity superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) conservatively with arm elevation, warm compresses, NSAIDs, and topical creams containing NSAIDs. Upper extremity SVT is primarily caused by indwelling intravenous catheters, so I do strongly recommend catheter removal as a mainstay of therapy. Because the risk of extension and embolization of SVT is quite low, routine anticoagulation and/or anti-platelet therapy is generally not recommended unless high-risk features exist.

Extrapolated from data from lower extremity SVT, it would be reasonable to consider prophylactic anticoagulation (e.g., fondaparinux 2.5 mg/day, LMWH 40 mg/day, rivaroxaban 10 mg/day) for 45 days in patients with extensive thrombus >5cm in l...